The engagement banquet guests were all arranged by Hu’s mother, and the Zhang family also invited many relatives and friends to attend. Today, at the Juben Hotel, countless luxury cars and dazzling socialites filled the place, with successful people from all walks of life coming to show support.

The joyful sounds and laughter were unending. Li Jiao Jiao’s heart was pounding with both nervousness and excitement. However, the male protagonist of today’s event had yet to arrive, although there was still half an hour before the engagement banquet began.

"Brother, hasn’t Hu Li arrived yet?" Li Jiao Jiao looked at the time growing closer, yet Hu Li was nowhere to be seen, and she was so anxious she was about to cry. Seeing the complex and skeptical looks from her friends, she was about to go mad.

She had anticipated that today might not go smoothly, but she hadn't expected Hu Li to disrespect her like this before it even started. How could he do this to her? How could he treat her this way?

What did she do wrong? Didn't he agree to the engagement himself? Unless he regretted it at this moment, in which case she might as well die.

Seeing his sister's sorrowful and uneasy eyes, Li Dong was furious with Hu Li.

Hugging his sister, Li Dong comforted her, "Don't worry, father and mother are already here; he won’t not show up. Maybe something delayed him, don’t overthink it. Don’t let tears ruin your beautiful makeup; otherwise, my good sister won’t look beautiful anymore. Be good."

Li Dong patted his trembling sister, feeling helpless and worried himself. He had never been able to figure out Hu Li’s thoughts and couldn’t be sure if Hu Li would change his mind at the last minute.

Hu Li, who had just left the Muyun Pavilion, looked even more solemn. He had just frankly told Hua Yan’s father about his plan. Hua Yan’s father didn’t explicitly say whether he forgave her but did state that any decision regarding him and Hua Yan would have to wait until she returned.

Just as he was about to get into the car, Jiu Cheng appeared before him.

"Aren’t you supposed to be at the engagement banquet with Li Jiao Jiao? Why are you here at the Muyun Pavilion? Do you still intend to deceive Father Hua?"

"None of your business." Hu Li said as he was about to leave.

Jiu Cheng stepped aside, blocking him playfully, and said, "Embarrassed and angry."

"Move." Hu Li really didn’t want to talk right now.

"I’ll move, but you have to take me to the engagement banquet with you."

"Then get in the car." Hu Li didn’t know what trick Jiu Cheng was up to, but it surely wasn’t anything good. Even so, he was happy to take him along.

"Did you find any clues about Hua Yan?" Hu Li knew Jiu Cheng’s background and, given his feelings for Hua Yan, he would definitely use his resources to search for her.

"You’re not too dumb, knowing I’m also searching. But… why should I tell you? I’m delighted you decided to get engaged. So you don’t need to ask about Hua Yan’s whereabouts anymore." Jiu Cheng refused Hu Li’s request with a smile, finally letting out a long-suppressed breath upon seeing Hu Li’s colorful expressions.

"Don’t think you’re ignorant of the survival rules. If your uncle hadn’t broken the tradition and insisted on marrying Le Xiaoxiao, a commoner, your situation wouldn’t be any better than mine."

People like them enjoyed superior material lives, served by many, without worries about food and clothing. The price they paid was their emotions. That applied to him, Ke Shaozheng, and Jiu Cheng as well.

"So I am more suited for Hua Yan. You should give up."

Hu Li, infuriated, laughed, "Do you believe that yourself?"

"You? Anyway, you’re getting engaged, so you’re out of the running." Hu Li remained steadfast, unshaken despite several provocations. Jiu Cheng angrily declared.

"Shut up, we’re here." Hu Li was annoyed by Jiu Cheng’s excessive talking.

At this moment, the Hu and Li families were as anxious as ants on a hot pan. The engagement banquet was imminent, and Hu Li was still nowhere to be seen. The elderly Li couple already had darkened faces, their smiles forced and hollow.

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If Hu Li didn’t show up, how could the Li family preserve their dignity? Finally, Li’s father stood before Hu’s father, demanding accountability, "In-law, why isn’t Hu Li here yet at this time? Does he intend to back out?"

Hu’s mother didn’t like Li’s words and wanted to retort, but Hu’s father gently held her hand back, showing no anger towards the Li parents, "Don’t worry, in-law. Hu Li will be here. Let’s go see how our future daughter-in-law is preparing; there’s no need to worry."

Just then, Hu Li’s car arrived. As soon as he got out, he was subjected to many scrutinizing eyes. Hu’s mother quickly and disapprovingly lectured him. With so many people around, Hu Li’s lax attitude had long embarrassed her.

In fact, she wanted to pull Hu Li’s ear and scold him, but Hu Li disliked people touching him. Jiu Cheng had already entered the banquet hall, hiding in a less crowded area to slowly watch the engagement unfold.

The news of Hu Li’s arrival reached Li Jiao Jiao’s ears, and instantly her frown turned into a sweet smile, so much so that her good friends teased her.

"Sister, it’s time. Let’s go down."

At the banquet, Hu Li remained mostly silent, his expression monotone, yet his radiance was undeniable. Not only Li Jiao Jiao but also her best friends were troubled by why they couldn’t have such luck. Such a man, they fell for him at first sight.

As Li Jiao Jiao introduced Hu Li to her friends, many of them unabashedly flirted with him, throwing coquettish glances his way.

These women were truly despicable. How could his sister have such friends, who shamelessly flirted with Hu Li in public? Hu Li wasn’t even as handsome as he was, and these women were so immature.

Li Jiao Jiao’s face darkened with embarrassment, hating her friends to the core. Seeing Hu Li’s disdainful gaze, she became even more furious.

"Let’s go. Our parents are waiting for us," Li Jiao Jiao said, smiling as she tried to link her arm with Hu Li’s. But in an instant, Hu Li dodged. Those around couldn’t help but gasp.

Li Jiao Jiao was so ashamed she nearly cried. Li Dong, without a change in his expression, whispered to Hu Li, "Don’t go too far, or our Li family will cancel today’s engagement banquet. You don’t want your Hu family to lose face, do you?"

"I hate danger," Hu Li coldly glanced at Li Dong and walked away towards their parents. Li Jiao Jiao, holding back her tears, quickly followed.

Hu Li’s tone earlier indicated he wouldn’t easily compromise. Furious, Li Dong gave the other girls a fierce glare before finally following Li Jiao Jiao.

During the banquet, Hu Li and Li Jiao Jiao exchanged engagement rings. These rings were the first time Hu Li had seen them; his secretary had prepared them. Li Jiao Jiao put on the ring with a beaming smile, admiring it repeatedly, never getting enough. Hu Li, seeing this, remained cold, which Hu’s mother couldn’t stand.

But Hu’s mother’s warning gaze was ignored by Hu Li. In front of so many people, she couldn’t be too obvious. When the crowd encouraged them to kiss, Hu Li flatly refused.

The previously lively banquet fell silent, with only soft music playing.

"How can you be like this?" Li’s mother scolded Hu Li.

"Hu Li, apologize to Jiao Jiao right now. Our Hu Li is just not talkative, which has caused a misunderstanding. He doesn’t like being touched, which is why he’s never had a girlfriend," Hu’s mother quickly explained. Hu’s father’s gaze at Hu Li grew increasingly stern.

"Why weren’t we informed about this?" Li’s mother demanded, feeling the Hu family was covering for Hu Li.

"My wife speaks the truth. Our son has never liked being touched," Hu’s father promptly confirmed, increasing his credibility.

Suddenly, many people began to stir, discussing how if Hu Li couldn’t be close to anyone, Li Jiao Jiao would end up living like a widow.

"What about my sister’s future?"

"Don’t worry about that. Persistence pays off. Over time, Hu Li will get used to Jiao Jiao, and they will gradually be able to be together," reassured Hu’s father.

The Li siblings looked at Hu Li with suspicion. Hu Li glanced at them indifferently without saying a word. In reality, he wasn’t that untouchable anymore.

However, he was pleased with his parents' explanation.

Hu’s father didn’t expect Hu Li to be so capable and bold in the past six months, daring to cause such a scene in front of him.

"Let’s give our gift to Jiao Jiao," Hu’s father smiled and said to Hu’s mother.

Suddenly, everyone’s attention turned to the gift Hu’s parents would give to their future daughter-in-law. People were always curious about the Hu family, but reliable information was scarce. Now was a good opportunity.

"This is the purple jade bracelet that has been passed down to the wives of our Hu family for generations. Today, I’m giving it to Jiao Jiao. Do you like it, Jiao Jiao?" Hu’s mother opened the brocade box, revealing a pair of purple jade bracelets sparkling under the lights.

The bracelets were intricately carved with flowers and cloud patterns, the craftsmanship exquisite, like a miniature world carved in dust. Such precious items, though old, retained their vibrant color.

Hu Li was also surprised. He had only seen these bracelets when he was a child and had forgotten about them as he grew up. They were supposedly treasures of the Tang Dynasty’s royal family, passed through many hands until they reached his ancestor, Hu Xueyan, and had been passed down ever since.

Their value surpassed that of the Purple Gold Crown and the Heart of the Ocean. He didn’t expect his mother to bring them out. Seeing the greedy looks from the Li family and others who recognized their worth, Hu Li disdainfully played with his wine glass.

If Hua Yan had seen them, she wouldn’t have been this vulgar. She always believed that anything useful was good. Thinking of this, Hu Li smiled, which led to many misunderstandings among the guests.

"Look at my son. He hasn’t smiled all day, but now he’s happy because I brought out these purple jade bracelets. Jiao Jiao, quickly put them on and show him," Hu’s mother said happily.

The Li parents’ gazes at Hu Li softened with more smiles. Li’s mother even helped her daughter put on the bracelets. Li Jiao Jiao was already overjoyed, shyly glancing at Hu Li.

Jiu Cheng, seeing this scene, laughed strangely to himself. A bunch of fools.